The first-generation Volkswagen Tiguan carries on as a cheaper, more basic alternative to the new second-generation model. It's now called Tiguan Limited.

OverviewVolkswagen made no major exterior changes to the Tiguan Limited. Its design inevitably looks somewhat dated because it falls in line with the brand's previous design language. It's also smaller in all directions than the standard Tiguan.

The cabin has aged better. Though it's a budget-focused model, the Tiguan Limited offers high-quality materials and an elegant design with useful tech features like a color touch screen.

Trunk space checks in at 23.8 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats up and 56.1 cubes with the rear seats folded flat.

The Tiguan Limited comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque at 1,700 rpm. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission come standard, while Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system is offered at an extra cost.

Fuel economy for the front-wheel drive model checks in at 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg in a combined cycle. Adding all-wheel drive lowers those figures to 19, 25, and 22, respectively.

The list of options includes 17-inch alloy wheels and the premium package, which bundles features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, black roof rails, and keyless entry with a push-button start.

Occupant safetyThe Tiguan is fitted with dual front, side thorax, and side curtain airbags in addition to stability and traction control systems, ABS and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Key competitorsThe Volkswagen Tiguan Limited competes in the same segment as crossovers like the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage, and the Jeep Cherokee.